EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County board approved a $42,500 grant to be distributed to the SNIP Alliance, an organization that provides low-cost pet spay and neuter services.

The alliance aims to reduce the number of animals euthanized at animal control facilities through their services. The county created the Pet Population Grant commission to offer low-cost spray and neuter surgeries for pets whose owners meet certain income standards.

The county’s Animal Care and Control department budgeted the grant for SNIP Alliance. The grant period will last from October 1 this year through September 1, 2017. The department reviewed other grant applications but recommended it be awarded to SNIP Alliance.

Founded in 2008, SNIP Alliance has provided spay and neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations to more than 4,100 animals, according to the organization’s website. The alliance also operates the RiverBend Pet Food Pantry, a service that provides assistance to low-income pet owners.

Janitorial services approved

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County board members approved a new janitorial services contract with an East Alton firm at a meeting Wednesday. The decision comes after the county received complaints about the current provider.

CR Systems was the lowest bidder with a base bid of $230,000. The next lowest bidder was American Main with a bid of $378,000.

The county sought a new contract after receiving complaints about the former contractor, Advanced Outsource Solutions, an Alton-based company. The company has provided janitorial services for the county administration building, courthouse, criminal justice center, annex building, sheriff’s department and the county health department since November last year.

After almost daily complaints and several thefts, including an autographed baseball, the Buildings and Facilities Management Committee recommended the county not renew the company’s contract.